Gatting praises GCB's Investors in People award

Former England captain Mike Gatting has congratulated the GCB onachieving the Investors in People Standard for staff development and training.

The Board is the first organisation of its type to be awarded themark, which is given to businesses who go the extra mile to look after theiremployees.

Mike, who is now managing director of cricket partnershipsat the ECB said: "Being awarded the Investors In People mark is a fantasticachievement for the GCB. As the first county board to achieve this, it has setthe standard for the way our boards and clubs support their staff and I hopeothers will follow in its footsteps"

The GCB currently has seven full-time employees and more than 50part-time and casual workers ranging from coaches to tutors and administrativestaff. During the accreditation process Investors In People specialist DavePeglar highlighted a number of strengths including a committed approach tostaff development, use of external coaches and clear aims, values and strategicgoals.

Mike said: "Employing a mixture of full, part-time andfreelance staff across a variety of areas, our boards face a challenge tointegrate and motivate their workforce and it is particularly pleasing to seethe GCB being singled out for its leadership, teamwork and a shared commitment to achieving its goals"

"Over the last fewyears the GCB has gone from strength to strength and has led the way on anumber of different projects and it is great to see them continuing to do so.They can feel rightly proud of what has been achieved."

Since its inception in the late 1980s more than 22,000 businessesin the UK have received the Investors In People Standard. The accreditation isawarded to well-run organisations which demonstrate good management practicewith a high emphasis on developing and supporting their staff. The standardalso encourages growth, profitability and efficiency.